LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and officials are urging drivers and riders alike to make safety a priority as riding season begins across the country.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding motorists that “Motorcyclists’ Safety Is Everyone’s Safety,” emphasizing that motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility among all road users.
Motorcyclists remain overrepresented in fatal crashes, with speed and alcohol impairment as key contributing factors. In 2022, 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in crashes nationwide, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities, according to NHTSA data. Of those deaths, 35% involved speeding, and 42% of riders in single-vehicle crashes were alcohol-impaired.
In Arkansas, an average of 76 motorcyclists die on the road each year. From 2013 to 2022, 760 people in the state lost their lives in motorcycle-related crashes.
Officials stress that proper helmet use is critical. After years of decline, helmet usage rose slightly to 67% in 2022. NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,872 lives in 2017 and that 749 more could have been saved if all riders had worn DOT-compliant helmets.
Safety officials urge both drivers and riders to:
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Obey speed limits and traffic laws.
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Stay sober and drug-free.
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Eliminate distractions.
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Yield to motorcyclists, especially at intersections.
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Wear high-visibility gear and DOT-compliant helmets.
They also recommend that motorcyclists complete a certified rider education and training course.
More information can be found at NHTSA.gov/Motorcycles, or through the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. Resources are also available at towardzerodeathsarkansas.org.
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